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Explore the european turtle dove in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the european turtle dove in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the european turtle dove in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the european turtle dove’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
European Turtle Dove
Scientific name: Streptopelia turtur
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: COLUMBIDAE
Group: Birds
Sensitivity to human approach: Suspicious
Minimum approach distance: 30 m
Courtship display: April to June
Incubation: 19 à 21 jours
Hatchings: April to June
Habitat:
Open woodlands, hedges, open agricultural areas, cereal and sunflower fields
Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.
Identification and description:
The Turtle Dove is a small, slender dove measuring between 25 and 28 cm in length with a wingspan of 45 to 50 cm. Its plumage is characterized by a rosy chest, a back speckled with black, and a gray-blue head adorned with black and white spots on the neck. It emits a soft, rolling cooing sound, often heard in spring and summer. It frequents clear woods, hedges, and open agricultural areas, where it feeds primarily on seeds fallen to the ground. Breeding occurs from May to July, with one or two clutches of two white eggs. The young leave the nest between 19 and 21 days after hatching. A migratory species, it winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.
Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to photograph the Turtle Dove, especially when feeding on the ground or perching discreetly in vegetation. Favor soft morning or evening light to capture the details of its plumage. Be patient and discreet to observe its natural behaviors.
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